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Modulating OPG and TGF-β1 mRNA expression via bioelectrical stimulation.
Sejal D Chaudhari1, Kapil K Sharma1, John J Marchetto1,2
1OrthodontiCell Inc., Leonhardt Launchpads Utah, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84115, United States of America.
Bone Reports
|October 25, 2021
Summary
Bioelectric stimulation (BES) noninvasively modulates osteoprotegerin (OPG) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) to enhance bone remineralization. This novel approach accelerates tooth anchorage and reduces post-treatment complications in orthodontics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Bone remodeling is crucial for dental and skeletal health, involving osteoblasts secreting OPG and TGF-β1.
- Orthodontic tooth movement requires stabilization, with current methods like OPG injections having limitations.
- Noninvasive bioelectric stimulation (BES) offers a novel approach to modulate bone remodeling factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how various BES parameters influence OPG and TGF-β1 expression in osteoblasts.
- To explore BES as a noninvasive method for enhancing bone remineralization.
Main Methods:
- Osteoblasts were cultured and exposed to a range of frequencies (25 Hz to 3 MHz).
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure OPG and TGF-β1 mRNA expression.
- Alizarin Red staining assessed calcium deposition to evaluate mineralization.
Main Results:
- BES significantly upregulated OPG mRNA expression above 10 kHz, peaking at 100 kHz (332% increase).
- TGF-β1 mRNA expression increased across all tested frequencies, peaking at 250 kHz (332% increase).
- In vitro mineralization increased by 28% after 6 weeks of stimulation.
Conclusions:
- BES effectively modulates OPG and TGF-β1 mRNA expression in osteoblasts.
- Noninvasive BES shows potential for accelerating bone remineralization and improving orthodontic anchorage.
- BES may offer a new therapeutic tool for bone remodeling in various clinical applications.
